State audit finds operations deficiencies at Nebraska agency

LINCOLN (AP) — A new state audit has uncovered serious flaws in the operations of a Nebraska agency that’s key to the governor’s goal of growing Nebraska’s economy.

The audit, released Tuesday, says the Department of Economic Development spent millions of dollars on grants and contracts during 2015 without adequate documentation or monitoring. State Auditor Charlie Janssen couldn’t confirm the money was used for appropriate reasons.

The audit also questions a more than $14,000 payment made in October as part of a settlement agreement with Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, who became the agency’s director...